Monday, August 31, 2009

"...a time to dance."

Ecclesiastes chapter 3 teaches us that there is a time for everything; "a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance." Get out your dancing shoes!! This is a time to laugh and dance! 

I received a phone call this afternoon from my surgeon. He had the pathology report back from my surgery, and these were his words to me, "They found no residual cancer cells." Let me say it again, they found NO CANCER CELLS!!!! No cancer cells. They found 11 lymph nodes, which was miraculous in itself. Most often the lymph nodes are burned up by the radiation and they aren't able to check them. All 11 nodes were cancer-free as well as the surrounding tissues. 

I was not surprised, but I was speechless. What do you say when they tell you that they can't find any more cancer cells in your body? I have no words other than praise for my God who has blessed me over and over again. We have all been praying for this exact outcome. He heard our prayers and He has answered in a miraculous way! Please take time today to praise Him and thank Him for who He is and what He has done. Praise Him for His faithfulness to us, His kindness toward us, and his mercy toward us. He is good! He never changes. 

Get your dancing shoes out, turn up the music, and let loose!!!

"Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things" Psalm 98:1

I do not know yet what this will mean as far as further treatment goes. Most often they base treatment on the initial stage of the cancer, so I could still face more chemotherapy. Also, because I am young, they have been treating my cancer aggressively to make sure that all micro-metastases have been killed and the cancer won't recur. I will have treatment answers after my next visit with the oncologist.

There is a song I recently heard and fell in love with. It is called "More Than a Friend" by Jeremy Riddle. It is the song of my heart today:

In the quiet of my soul 
In the stillness I hear Your voice call
And I am overwhelmed
And I am lost for words
To describe You

Jesus You're more than a friend
Jesus You're more than my heart could ever express
Your love and Your grace never fail me
Your merciful touch always heals me
You bring joy to my soul

My heart longs to worship You my King
And I long to bring You a pleasing offering
And I am overwhelmed
And I am lost for words
To describe You

Jesus You're more than a friend
Jesus You're more than my heart could ever express
Your love and Your grace never fail me
Your merciful touch always heals me
You bring joy to my soul

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven..a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance..." Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 4

17 comments:

  1. At some point, we are going out to celebrate!!! We have more than enough to celebrate...God has been so faithful to heal and to restore our health! Still a journey lies ahead to prevent recurrence, but we are almost at the end! I am so sorry I didn't get to visit you at the hospital. You have been in many thoughts and prayers. Love you!
    Stacey

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  2. i Love you Laura Shook!!!!!! you are such an amazing woman and God has once again proved himself to you! Your amazing! Sleep tight:)
    love always,
    Samantha jan Krantz!

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  3. I am soooooooooooo very happy for you Laura and for Mark and your whole family. It couldn't happen to a more deserving, beautiful person....I am amazed every time I read your blog, YOU "HAD" cancer but you blessed us all with your words of faith and inspiration...I am so very thankful to God for healing you!! Much Love, Vickie D

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  4. praise the Lord for this report!! my family has joined the symphony of prayer every night at 9:40pm (earlier with my kids since school has started). i didn't check your blog until this morning and i can't wait for them to get up so i can share this news. thank you for allowing God to use your darkest days to teach us more about Him. He is good and His name is great. Bless you!
    kendra & david upchurch

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  5. So I am crying tears of joy and praise and adoration to our Jehovah Rapha!!! Thank you Jesus!!!! AMEN AND AMEN!!!

    To God be the glory!
    Rebecca Patterson

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  6. TEARS OF JOY !!!!!!!!!!!! I'm going to turn my praise on right now and dance and sing at the top of my lungs in happiness and praise TO God for this complete and total restoration of your body!!!!!

    SHINE !!!!!!!!!

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  7. Woo Hoo! Thank you Lord! You are awesome!!!

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  8. This is fabulous news!! Praise be to God!

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  9. My first thought was "Unbelievable". Then I thought "Not". God has had you in the palm of His hand and tucked under His wing throughout this journey of yours. Believe to receive! So this is "Believable" because of your faith in Him, love for Him, and trust in Him! Praise God! To God be the Glory! So very happy for you and your family.
    Hugs, Jeanne Walker

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  10. PS: So how did it feel to wake up this morning and think 'I DO NOT HAVE CANCER!!!'

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  11. We are so happy for you and your entire family!! You can breathe now and move forward with your life...just as God wants you do to!

    I know it's been a tough few months, but God has heard everyone's prayers and is the true healer. But I think the Lord is also so happy that you have shared your experience and life with so many people, and because of that you have helped to bring people closer to Him!

    I'm sure you're smiling big today...and you deserve it!
    Wendy Thomas-Schilleci & Family

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  12. Laura & Family......

    Tears, Happiness, Joy......I am just going to HAVE to dance, there are no words to express the excitement I feel.

    Paula P.

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  13. Praise the Lord! I saw the news on Facebook last night, and I am crying tears of joy, and dancing with you!

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  14. GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST!!!!!!!!!
    THANK YOU, LORD!

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  15. I am dancing right along with you! What a faith increaser to see these constant prayers answered in such an amazing way!

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  16. Laura,
    I am soooo thrilled at your post and results. God is so Great, and you are such an awesome person. He definitely shines through you and everything that you do. You are such a blessing to so many of us! Thank you for being you. Praises be to Him for your health report.
    Love You,
    Kat

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